Flat smash
The full overhead hit flat and hard into the floor. In padel the back glass returns most flat smashes, so it is used to force a weak reply or to go out of the court.
When to play it
On a short lob close to the net. When the defenders are off balance.
How to play it
Get behind the ball early and turn side on. Full throwing action, contact high and in front. Hit down into the floor, a few metres from their back glass.
Common mistakes
Smashing every lob, even deep ones. Hitting a flat smash that comes off the glass straight back to the defender.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the remate plano legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14b as long as the ball bounces in their court before it touches their glass or mesh (Rule 13g). Touching the net or posts with your racket or body during the point loses it (Rule 13a).